Jessica Jelinski takes pride in doing her best when it comes to welding -- that's what propelled her to win first place in the SkillsUSA Wisconsin state welding competition in 2005. Today she uses that work ethic to further her welding career and teach other young people about the trades.

As pipe fabricators continue to employ more modern welding processes, they also should consider the role that end preparation plays in productivity. Cutting and clamping methods are two areas to study when it comes to pipe fabrication efficiency.

While using aluminum can present challenges in any welding application, knowing the right questions to ask beforehand will help aid success. Issues include knowing what aluminum filler metal to use, how to store it, and what options are available to help eliminate feeding problems.

Although capillary action basically is the magic behind ensuring proper filler metal distribution into a joint, six basic steps also are necessary to make sure that the design and engineering of the joint helps lead to a good brazed joint.

Because a typical arc welding setup may consist of several electrical circuits, it's critical to apply and maintain proper grounding methods within the welding area to promote electrical safety in the workplace.